Daily Frameworks for 19 November 2025

’Idál, 17 Qudrat (Power), 182 B.E.

Social Action: Selected Themes Pertaining to Social and Economic Development

Quotes for Reflection:

O Inmost Heart of this Temple! We have made thee the dawning-place of Our knowledge and the dayspring of Our wisdom unto all who are in heaven and on earth. From thee have We caused all sciences to appear, and unto thee shall We cause them to return. And from thee shall We bring them forth a second time. Such, indeed, is Our promise, and potent are We to effect Our purpose. Erelong shall We bring into being through thee exponents of new and wondrous sciences, of potent and effective crafts, and shall make manifest through them that which the heart of none of Our servants hath yet conceived. ¹ Thus do We bestow upon whom We will whatsoever We desire, and thus do We withdraw from whom We will what We had once bestowed. Even so do We ordain whatsoever We please through Our behest. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

Question for Consideration

What does Bahá’u’lláh’s statement, “Erelong shall We bring into being through thee exponents of new and wondrous sciences, of potent and effective crafts, and shall make manifest through them that which the heart of none of Our servants hath yet conceived” portend for humanity’s future?

Perplexity Pro Response ³

Bahá’u’lláh’s statement signifies a future in which humanity will witness the emergence of innovative sciences and transformative crafts, resulting in achievements and understandings that surpass anything yet imagined by people. This portend indicates not only technological or material advancement but also the manifestation of knowledge that integrates spiritual and material dimensions, contributing to the overall upliftment and well-being of society. [1] [2] [3]

Significance of New Sciences

Bahá’u’lláh links the advancement of sciences and crafts with a divine promise, suggesting that periods of spiritual awakening will correspond with breakthroughs in human understanding and capability. These “new and wondrous sciences” are not limited to the physical or technical; they encompass insights and methods that promote harmony, peace, and prosperity, echoing the Bahá’í principle that science and religion must work together for human progress. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Exponents of Knowledge

The passage refers to “exponents”—individuals through whom these advancements will come. In Bahá’í thought, such people will harness both intellect and spirituality, using their discoveries and skills for the benefit of all, rather than for selfish or divisive ends. This vision is inherently inclusive, suggesting that as humanity matures, more people will be empowered to contribute creatively and constructively. [1] [2] [6] [7]

Impact on Humanity’s Future

Bahá’u’lláh’s words portend a future civilization shaped by a continual outpouring of new sciences and arts—a civilization driven by knowledge that serves the common good and is rooted in spiritual values. Such discoveries will not only address humanity’s material needs but also reflect deeper spiritual truths, paving the way for a more unified, peaceful, and advanced global society. [2] [3] [8] [9]

In summary, this statement envisions a future wherein the synthesis of divine inspiration and human effort results in unprecedented progress, guiding humanity towards new horizons of understanding and achievement. [2] [3] [8]

Citations

[1] Harmony of Science and Religion

[2] Science | Bahá’í Quotes

[3] Science – Bahaipedia, an encyclopedia about the Bahá’í Faith

[4] The Force that Releases the World’s Animating Energies – BahaiTeachings.org

[5] Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era

[6] Súriy-i-Haykal

[7] Drawing on the Spiritual Power of the Arts – BahaiTeachings.org

[8] Science and the Bahá’í Faith – Bahai World

[9] Knowledge and Civilization – Bahai World

[10] The Summons of the Lord of Hosts

[11] “From thee have We caused all sciences to appear… unto thee shall We cause them to return… from thee shall We bring them forth a second time…” : r/bahai

[12] O people! Tread ye in the path of the one true God and ponder the ways and words of Him Who is the Manifestation of His ancient Being, that perchance ye may attain unto the Wellspring of the living waters of the All-Glorious. Were believers and non-believers to occupy the same station, were the worlds of God to be confined to this ephemeral plane, never would My previous Manifestation have surrendered Himself into the hands of His foes or laid down His life as a sacrifice. I swear by the dawning-light of this Cause that were the people to grasp the barest intimation of the fervour and longing which overcame that sovereign Beauty when His celestial Temple was suspended in the air, all would, in the intensity of their own yearning, offer up their souls in the path of this Manifestation of supernal glory. Indeed, sugar is the portion of the parrot, while dung is the share of the beetle; the crow hath no part in the warbling of the nightingale, and the bat fleeth the rays of the sun.” ~ Baha’u’llah, (Tablet to Salmán I) | Facebook

[13] Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh/World’s Religious Leaders Collectively – Bahaiworks, a library of works about the Bahá’í Faith

[14] The Astonishing Meaning of the ‘Hidden Treasure’ Tradition

[15] The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith

[16] From The Summons of the Lord of Hosts

[17] Arts and Crafts

[18] What is the Baha’i Faith’s approach to unifying science and religion?

[19] Proclamation of Bahá’u’lláh

[20] Reflection as source of crafts, sciences and arts | Facebook

1. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice. “Social Action.” Bahá’í Reference Library, August 2020. https://www.bahai.org/r/587865680. ↩
2. Baháʼuʼlláh. The Summons of the Lord of Hosts : Tablets. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1st ed. Haifa: Baháʼí World Centre, 2002. https://www.bahai.org/r/154048839. ↩
3. Perplexity Pro. “Innovative Sciences and Transformative Crafts.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. November 18, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/the-question-of-economics-must-oIXcpCrYQ..1IAswv1A2jg#0. ↩